Korean Job Discussion Forums

[elliemk]

Okay. My director wants her daughter to be better at lessons and has scheduled 3 one hour sessions each week. Daughter is interested in fashion only. Started textbook, and daughter can read and write and knows what to say, but won't speak in full sentences. She has a learning disability according to her mom. But I think she is mostly just stubborn...doesn't want to speak English, keeps getting negative attention as a result. Any ideas?

[Hyeon Een]

Doesn't want to speak English and is stubborn? Only interested in fashion?

If this is a one-on-one class and she is young then perhaps you can trick her into speaking English through using her love of fashion.

You're a woman (I assume), so perhaps you could go into class with pictures of a freakin ugly dress and a pretty one and casually mention to her you're thinking about buying the ugly one. She'll probably say something. If it's in Korean just pretend you don't understand. A bit of English might ensue.

Or maybe come in having painted your nails terribly and wait until she notices and criticizes.. another talking point.

Or come in looking like an amazing fashion model one day. She'll probably wanta talk about your new look.

Maybe bring in a couple of pairs of shoes and talk about them. Or a picture of Andre Kim and talk about what a genius he is.

Once you have her talking a bit you can probably lead her on to other things, and maybe eventually even a textbook once you've built up some rapport with her.

Either that or beat her with a stick until she stops being stubborn/mentally disabled

[makemischief]

http://www.feetmanseoul.com/

korean/english fashion site. could be a good content source given her interests.

[oldfatfarang]

You could try the novel and educational approach that my co-teacher used recently during a role play. When one of the kids froze up (in front of the class) he hit her on the head with a cane until she spoke.

Korea - spanking!

[Easter Clark]

I've alluded to this before, but in order to be an *interesting* teacher you must be *interested* in your students! You have an advantage here in that you know her parents, so you can find out about what this child likes. Even if her interests are limited to "fashion only," (which I'm sure they're not), there is a wealth of lesson materials there--comparisons, descriptions, personality, colors, etc.

Try to draw on your collective knowledge of popular culture (in Korea and in your home country) as a starting point. I agree with the concept of just trying to have a conversation with her in order to allow English to "happen." Once you've established a rapport, then you can bring in the textbook, especially in a 1-1 situation.